528 REPTILES AND BIRDS. 
order. They live constantly on the edge of the water, or in the 
water itself, hunting for the insects which constitute their fcod. 
Although their toes are not webbed, they may often be noticed 
diving and moving about under water, by extending their wings and 
using them as fins. ‘They are frequently to be observed fiying along 
streams, and catching the winged insects skimming over the surface 
of the water. They live a solitary life, except during the fairing 
season, and frequent by preference the banks of mountain streams, 
Fig. 238.—The Dipper. 
especially such rocky and precipitous countries as the Alps, Pyrenees, 
and other mountain chains in the south, west, and north of Europe. 
It is met with in Great Britain and France. 
The Hermit Thrushes ( Zurdus solitarius, Fig. 239)are distinguished 
from the other Dentirostral Passerines by their long and slender tarsi. 
They are natives of America, and are principally to be found in the 
midst of the vast forests that margin the Mississippi. Their food is 
indifferently vegetable or insectivorous. They fly heavily, but in 
running and hopping they are very adroit. They lay their eggs on the 
ground, on a bed of dry leaves, which are always well secreted among 
grass and brush. ‘They have two broods each season. ‘Their eggs, 
which are marked with blackish-brown splotches, are generally five 
